Departments > Performing Arts
Instrumental Tuition
Drama
Dance
Events Calendar
Extra Curricular Programme
Staff
J. Papworth (Subject Leader)
A. Chambers
Z. Morley
C. Watts
C. Powell
P. Pointer (Technician)
Aims
The Performing Arts (Dance, Drama and Music) make a vital contribution to both the education of individuals and the quality of life in general at Bicester Community College. We believe that the Performing Arts are essential to the balanced education of all our students. This is achieved through both curriculum teaching and also the experiences and opportunities offered through a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
The college is particularly fortunate to have very well qualified and committed teaching staff, who are prepared to give up significant amounts of their own time to enhance their students' experiences. This is reflected not only in the examination results at Key Stages 4 and 5, but in high level extra-curricular performances throughout the year.
The hard work of the Performing Arts Department is recognised by our recent Artsmark Gold Award.
Curriculum
All students study Music, Dance and Drama in Years 7, 8 and 9. At Key Stage 4, students may choose to take GCSEs in Dance, Drama and Music as part of their options. Some students also take GCSE Dance within their Compulsory PE time or GCSE Music in a fast-track class on Thursdays after school. In the Sixth Form, students may take A-level courses in Music, Theatre Studies and Dance.
All students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have also benefitted from participating in a range of workshops with visiting artists (African Arts, Indian Arts, Employment in the Entertainment Industry) and Year 9s work in teams towards a short class performance in the inter-tutor performing competition.
Extra Curricular
A strong emphasis is placed on extra-curricular opportunities within the Performing Arts and this is reflected in our recent Artsmark Gold award. March 2009 saw our successful large-scale production of Les Miserables, involving over 100 students both on and off stage plus many staff from other Departments as well as the Performing Arts team. Showstoppers 2 also took place to sell-out audiences on 5th-6th July 2007. A regular programme of extra-curricular actvities run at lunchtimes and after-school, culminating performances in concerts, festivals, competitions and showcases (see our events calendar). In July 2007, the orchestra, jazz band and flute ensemble went on a five-day music tour to Germany and these groups are due to tour Belgium in July 2009! Students also have the opportunity to learn a wide range of musical instruments from visiting peripatetic staff.
Reviews
Les Miserables February 2009
High School Musical February 2008
The Sound of Music March 2007
